Starting with Proficiency Panel-Chapter 644: We’ll see the real outcome tomorrow morning (new book content)

Li Qing, somewhat hesitant after his internal tirade, unconsciously twisted the coffee cup with his gloved left hand.

"Yes."

Honestly, if Chen Ke hadn't forcibly called him over, he would have been home by now, earnestly delving into the Level 0 Magic Light Technique in "Magic Theory". After all, the more he accumulated, the more interesting it was to feel the flow of magic nodes and trigger magic, analyzing the impact of magic nodes' arrangement on the world and the connection to the frequency of magic power flow.

Isn't that fascinating? Why bother with that other stuff?

Chen Chencheng's eyes brightened, saying enthusiastically, "Is it true that after truly getting involved, there's an unconscious resistance, feeling that the other's appearance disrupts your life rhythm."

"...Yes."

She nodded, "Many who've been single for a long time have this issue, both men and women alike. Once it involves romance, resistance occurs. In your view, what is the reason for this?"

Li Qing pondered for a moment, took a sip of coffee, and the bitter taste quickly spread in his mouth.

"During our generation, love has become a complex term that is difficult to articulate. We believe that relationships require a great deal of money, time and effort, unparalleled emotional intelligence, and strategy.

The standard for love has become extraordinarily high, no longer just the kindness of offering a drink or wiping sweat, nor mutual affinity, but liking a complete persona, and I must fit this persona for us to have a chance.

On the other hand, the standards for aversion have become extraordinarily low. Everyone has pre-buried mines in their hearts, which can cause damage or destruction with a single touch.

This is an era where it's easier to dislike someone than to be attracted to them.

Even for those who are attracted to each other, the road ahead isn't smooth. Various influencer accounts will tell you that love should be a certain way, and if you don't follow it, it's not love. Under these artificially created rules, the party that's benefiting will unconsciously believe and use this to demand their partner; the disadvantaged party either chooses to adhere and eventually becomes subservient, or they choose to resist, resulting in a difficult struggle.

In this environment, the so-called happiness of love becomes increasingly elusive. Some feel that turning the other into an obedient slave brings them happiness; others think defeating the partner will earn them happiness. But nobody is a complete fool; couples appear loving on the surface but are actually performing thirty-six strategies of love behind the scenes. A notable characteristic of the new generation is that both men and women feel they are losing out in love.

Even if both are open-minded individuals, the closest partners in the world, the path remains extremely rough. Love requires material conditions, like a house, as its foundation—a statement frowned upon in the era of simple love but now an iron rule today. Those who meet the conditions would rather sell everything to accumulate huge debts to prepare the chips for love; those who don't meet the conditions never deny this rule—they merely think they're unworthy of love.

Diamonds, bride price, expensive showy weddings, 520 gifts, many ridiculous things have become necessities. If you don't comply, you face peculiar looks from society and your partner.

This is the power of convention, where those who gain nothing feel they've lost out, those who have lost believe they're unworthy, and those who are worthy pack their life's efforts into the pockets of the manipulators behind the scenes.

It makes the victims of this system mock those untouched by it as single dogs, and the compromisers mock the rebels as naive and immature.

Believing that mutual affection and simplicity is enough to be together makes outsiders regard you as either foolish or shameless, so you don't dare think this way yourself. Even if it's right, you might not get it. Then why bother? Why endure the pain?

Li Qing raised his coffee cup and drained it: "So, I think this is why there are more and more single men and women nowadays."

Chen Chencheng remained silent for a long time, then said troubledly: "This topic unexpectedly involves today's social situation, it truly is difficult, I kind of regret choosing this topic for my doctoral dissertation."

She sighed deeply and said, somewhat understandingly: "No wonder when we met last time, you acted in such a calculating way to ensure there was no further possibility with me."

Li Qing was speechless: "This isn't called calculating, it's about self-awareness. If I have to develop further with you, the most likely trend is that I will wholeheartedly treat you well and end up being subservient, because our levels are not equal."

The term "subservient" is so heavy that after experiencing it, Li Qing would definitely not step into such self-degradation again.

Speaking of which, it's all just a torrent of regret and tears.

"Not equal?" Chen Chencheng was curious: "How did you figure that out?"

Li Qing glanced at her: "Your bag is LV, your watch is Longines, your necklace is Tiffany. Tsk... all of these things together on you probably amount to nearly a million, so I should be a mere amusing spice in your eyes. Even if your personality is peculiar, even if nobody wants you, with your looks and family wealth, it definitely wouldn't be my turn."

Chen Chencheng felt a bit embarrassed, tugging at her clothes and sleeves to conceal her necklace and watch, while also turning sideways to hide her bag.

"I think these materials shouldn't be an obstacle to love between two people!"

Li Qing said speechlessly: "On the contrary, for ordinary people, the greatest obstacle to love is materialism."

Chen Chencheng suddenly found herself somewhat unable to argue against Li Qing.

"Isn't treating girls well a given?"

"It should be, but reciprocity is the best state."

Chen Chencheng understood: "No wonder your work is decent, you look passable, but you can't find a girlfriend—this is the reason."

She counted off: "Too straightforward, once decided internally there's no hesitation, too focused on benefits, too blunt in speech!"

Chen Chencheng accentuated the last few words.

Li Qing maintained a smile, knowing that keeping a good mood means never arguing about meaningless things, especially with women.

"Right, right, you're right about everything."

Chen Chencheng was infuriated.

For a moment, the two fell into silence, but Li Qing proactively started talking: "In psychology, do you study a person's spirit?"

"Spirit—what aspect are you talking about? Spirit is too broad." Chen Chencheng's tone was still not good, but she maintained her rigorous attitude towards her profession.

Li Qing tried to guide carefully: "You psychologists, from which aspects do you view people?"

Chen Chencheng brushed her hair aside, unconsciously twirled her pen, and thought for a moment.